Nate's 29th Birthday

Honestly I could go on all day about all of the reason I love Nathaniel Freeman. He is a big deal in our family and he is adored by his two little boys so when his birthday comes around, we like to celebrate by doing one of the things he loves most...traveling. Last year we were living in California for work, so we went to Monterey for his birthday - and it is still one of our favorite memories and something we like to talk about on occasion - especially on rainy days. This year we decided to take another trip...this time to Savannah Georgia, and Charleston South Carolina with a few quick stops along the way to Congaree National Park, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. We had been planning a trip like this for a while, but Nate's birthday weekend provided the perfect opportunity to go. 

When I think of the South, a few words come to mind - Churches, warmth, beautiful flowers, and the best of home cooking. There's so much history and tradition there. I love how a lot of the people slow down and take time to talk. I was amazed how we would talk to perfect stranger on the street for kind of a long time, and at the end they felt like the kind of people you wanted to invite over for Sunday dinner. It was refreshing, and I learned a lot from them about taking time. 

Can we talk about Charleston for a second. Wow - those streets were the closest thing I've seen to Europe in a long time. I love being with my little family. I've always loved traveling and doing it with those three adorable people right there, is just the best. Stan and Mason did so well traveling...it's a good thing, because in our family we do it a lot.

I look back and feel like that was such a smart decision on our part - because the next four weeks I found myself thinking a lot about those happy memories - while he was in Virginia finishing up his internship, and I was in Utah with my family.

The wonderful people he works with at UVA ordered a HUGE birthday cake for him, and had him blow out his candles as part of a National Security Conference Lunch which I got to come to as well. I love seeing how much they love and appreciate his good work. I can't help but feel so proud of him and his hard work!!! I can't think of anything better than growing old together! There is something so sweet about going through life with your best friend and team-mate at your side. Marriage to the right person, is just the best.

You KNOW you're in the South when you see a sign like this. 

A glimpse of the bustling city of Charlotte

I always thought there was a pot of gold at the bottom of rainbows as a little girl

We made it to Congaree at dusk, and the fireflies put on an amazing show for us. I couldn't' believe how many there were! Unbelievable. It was like an extension of the stars.

We found a baby turtle that they let Mason hold

Nate caught that little frog for Mason to look at. That's love.

Stanley watching the 'Stanley Cup' at our hotel

Savannah cemetery. Honestly Savannah is kind of a haunting city - so we had to check out the cemetery

One of the neighborhood centers in Savannah. I loved how they planned their city to have parks inside every little block - so telling about the Southern Culture,

If I were a flower, I would want to be planted in Savannah Georgia - I can tell they love it there

My handsome boys!

Haha - I die over that face that Mason makes - and those trees that have Southern written all over them

The little emerging musician

We enjoyed that beautiful park with the fountain

I couldn't help but take a picture of this - I love me some jazz

We could not say enough good things about this Restaurant right there. 

Known as one of the most beautiful streets in America, and I can see why

This restaurant had a long line - but it was totally worth it!

I had no idea how good Souther cooking could be until I came here. My mouth still waters thinking about it

That woman - the owner was one of the sweetest ladies I've met. She introduced us to her husband and they fell in love with Mason right away.

Mason took this pic - I love how he notices simple beauty like this brick side walk,

a museum that we walked in and out of but it looked awesome

Nate running through the rain to make it to the place where Forest Gump waits for his bus. So stoic.

"Life is like a box of chocolates"- Forest Gump

I was blown away by how the rain came down that day. Fortunate for us we were already in the car on our way to Hilton Head - it was seriously like taking a shower. Amazing.

Speaking of which - we had a nice/sort of sandy lunch on that beach

Mason didn't eat much until we got back to the car "note to self - don't take lunch to the beach"

loving his life right there! That smile always gets me

Stan loves the sand as always

Nate had to stop at this monument on the way back - The famous Tuskegee Airmen  - the first African American US Air Force Pilots I think. I love this.

The Air Field

Charleston, Stanley, Mason, and NATE, you have my heart.

See what I mean? Those streets right there.

Nate making friends with the local squirrels. He and Honk (?) from  The Emperors New Groove would get along well I think..they both speak several languages. :)

That beautiful pineapple water fountain

love that they turn their fountains into splash pads. Glad we brought Mason's swim suit just in case

Love how he jumps in to play. Fun Dad right there!

Taking turns being Judge/Attorney at the city Courthouse

That's a happy boy right there

Never enough fries for that boy!

Stan loves blowing air and making funny sounds. I giggle every time.

This place was the perfect place to stop for lunch. It was named after a stray Dog - what was it? I can't remember. Nate?

Everyone loves Washington

A beautiful traditional Church there. They don't call it the Holy City for nothing. We were there just days before that shooting, and I was totally disgusted by that young man's choices - so purely evil.

I think we wore them out. Also - I can't say enough good things about that stroller right there.  I don't think I will ever travel anywhere again without it.

Hail the conquering hero

Good times! So glad we went. Happy Birthday, darling!!!